Impact of Westward Expansion

The period of Westward Expansion in U.S. history, roughly spanning the early 19th century through the 1890s, was marked by significant territorial growth, migration, and conflict. Here's an overview of the key events, policies, and impacts of this era.

Impact of Westward Expansion (1780-1890)

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• The U.S. acquired approximately 828,000 square miles of territory from France for $15 million, effectively doubling the size of the nation!

Louisiana Purchase
1803

Manifest that Destiny!

• Commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark explored the newly acquired western territories, providing valuable information about the geography and native peoples.

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Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804-1806)

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Multiple Choice

How much did the Louisiana Purchase cost?

• $1 billion

• $828,000

• $15 million

• Free

Multiple Choice

Who did President Thomas Jefferson task with exploring the newly acquired western territories?

• Kyrie and Luka

• Lewis and Clark

• Shaggy and Scooby

• Lincoln and Washington

• After gaining independence from Mexico in 1836, Texas was annexed, or added, by the United States in 1845, leading to tensions with Mexico.

​​Texas Annexation 1845

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• The U.S. war with Mexico resulted in the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, through which the U.S. acquired California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and parts of Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico, and Texas.

​​Mexican-American War 1846-1848

Expansion strikes Gold!

California Gold Rush 1848-1855

• All of this newly acquired land from The Treaty of Hildalgo, as a result of the Mexican-American War, is being discovered by European settlers for the first time!

• Settlements on this new land eventually led to the discovery of Gold in Coloma, CA in 1850.

• This discovery sent nearly 300,000 hopeful miners out west in hopes of getting rich!

• The influx of new settlers to the west accelerated California's statehood status, officially becoming a state in 1850.

Multiple Choice

What was the result of The Treaty of Hidalgo?

• The United States gave Mexico an apology letter.

• The United States was gifted New Mexico as a peace treaty.

• The United States acquired California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and part of Colorado.

• Mexico acquired Texas

Multiple Choice

In 1845 Texas was "annexed" by the United States. What does "annex" mean?

• To add by legal claim

• To overthrow

• To be gentrified

• To go to war with

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Cultural Impacts of Westward Expansion and Manifest Destiny

1. Economic Growth - Expansion facilitated the growth of agriculture, mining, and industry. New resources and land contributed to the U.S. becoming a major economic power.

2. Population Growth and Migration - Millions of Americans and immigrants moved westward, leading to the rapid establishment of new states and cities.

3. Conflict with Native Americans - Westward expansion often led to violent conflicts with Native American tribes, who were forcibly removed from their ancestral lands. This included numerous wars and massacres, such as the Sand Creek Massacre (1864) and the Battle of Little Bighorn (1876).

   
   

Multiple Choice

Lewis and Clark's expedition proved which of the following was TRUE 

• Louisiana Purchase was worth the money because of all the plants and animals there 
• Louisiana Purchase was a waste of money 
• People cannot survive out west 
• they did not bring enough information back to make a judgement 

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Which territory was acquired by the Treaty of Hidalgo?

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At the time of its purchase, which territory doubled the country's size?

Multiple Choice

What was the impact of westward expansion on the environment?

• Preservation of natural landscapes.

• Extensive deforestation and alteration of ecosystems.

• Decrease in mining activities.

• Restoration of wildlife populations.

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Which territory was NOT acquired during Westward Expansion?

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Which territory is the Louisiana Purchase?